The point guard has been watching Rajon Rondo closely during his first season in the NBA and picking up tips.

Jim Fenton The Enterprise @JFenton_ent

BOSTON – Phil Pressey was actually rooting against himself as the NBA Draft was winding down last June.

The point guard from Missouri didn’t want to get picked late in the second round, hoping to avoid landing on a team that might send him overseas or waive him.

Pressey figured he would be better off picking a team to sign with as a free agent so he could know the situation.

There had been talk that the Celtics, in need of depth at point guard, were looking to get Pressey on their roster when the draft was complete.

“About the 48th or 49th (pick), I talked to my agent and he was like, ‘It’s almost better for you not to get drafted,’’’ said Pressey. “I knew the Celtics were very interested in me and they didn’t have any more picks.

“That was the hardest decision I ever had to make, hear my name called and go to a team that will probably send you overseas or cut you or just wait and go undrafted and go to a team that really wants you.’’

No team drafted Pressey and he quickly signed with the Celtics, then made the team in training camp.

Pressey has done more watching than playing this season, but he is picking up valuable experience as an understudy first to Jordan Crawford and now Rajon Rondo.

“It’s a good opportunity for me,’’ said Pressey, who made his seventh start on Wednesday night when the Celtics lost to the New York Knicks, 116-92. “Me being in this situation the whole year is a great fit for me.

“I got to watch Jordan play early and when Rondo came back I’m doing the same and the little bits and pieces I’ve been allowed to play. I’m just blessed to be here.’’

With Rondo unable to play on back-to-back nights, Pressey got the call against the Knicks and had nine points, five assists and five rebounds in 36 minutes.

Pressey is averaging 14 minutes in 60 games and he has gotten to observe Rondo up close since mid-January.

“The most I’ve learned from him is leadership on the court, how he manages the game offensively and defensively,’’ said Pressey. “When he’s on the court, everything is where it needs to be.

“Guys are in their spots. Guys are competing at a high level. His leadership is unmatchable out there. That’s probably the biggest thing I’ve learned.’’

Pressey is the son of former NBA player and assistant coach Paul Pressey, who gave him plenty of confidence.

“My dad had the utmost confidence in me from day one,’’ said Pressey. “He knew I could play at this level. There was no questions asked.

“Me having him, knowing he has played and coached at this level and him knowing I could play here, that gave me all the confidence I needed. What anybody else said didn’t matter.’’

Around the rim: The Celtics entertain the Phoenix Suns on Friday night. ... After Rondo had 18 assists on Sunday night, the Celtics failed to reach that total in the last two games. They had 16 at Indiana on Tuesday and 15 against the Knicks. ... Avery Bradley is likely to return from his ankle injury on Friday night. ... The Celtics are 3-3 in the games Rondo has sat out to rest since returning to the lineup on Jan. 17.

Jim Fenton may be reached at jfenton@enterprisenews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JFenton_ent.